# Total Solar Eclipse: What to Expect on April 8, 2024
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Total Solar Eclipse
On April 8th, be sure to equip yourself with protective eyewear and gaze upwards—if you're situated in the path of totality and the weather permits, that is! This extraordinary total solar eclipse will traverse North America, moving from northern Mexico through the United States and into Canada. It will sweep across 13 states, creating a 115-mile-wide shadow known as the path of totality.
What Exactly Is a Total Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon aligns perfectly between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light completely. In this alignment, the moon appears to be the same size as the sun. If only a portion of the sun's light is obscured, a partial solar eclipse occurs instead.
During a total solar eclipse, you might observe several remarkable phenomena:
- Up to 4 minutes (or more!) of darkness
- Altered animal behaviors as if it were dusk
- A noticeable drop in temperature
For those outside the path of totality, a partial eclipse will still be visible across all 48 contiguous U.S. states.
The eclipse will be fleeting, so knowing the timing is crucial to experience it. In Texas, for instance, the total eclipse will take place at 1:27 PM CDT. It will journey through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and conclude in Maine at 3:35 PM EDT.
Are you among the fortunate individuals who will be in the path of totality? Let's hope for clear skies to enjoy this awe-inspiring astronomical event!
So mark your calendars for Monday, April 8, and ensure you have NASA-certified eclipse glasses handy to safely view this spectacular sight.
Sources:
- April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Guide: How to Watch, Understand, and Stay Safe on April 8
- A Rare Total Solar Eclipse Will Pass Over the U.S. on April 8: When and Where to Watch
Where & When
The total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, will cross North America, making its way over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
In the video "April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Here's What You Need to Know" by Smarter Every Day, viewers can learn about the eclipse's path, safety tips, and preparation for this incredible event.
The live observation video "8 April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse" offers real-time insights into this extraordinary phenomenon, allowing viewers to witness the eclipse as it unfolds.